Mobile terminal and method for displaying wireless devices thereof

ABSTRACT

A mobile terminal including a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate with wireless devices to be connected with the mobile terminal, a display unit configured to display information about the wireless devices, an input unit configured to input search information including at least one of a distance range to search for the wireless devices and a type of the wireless devices, and a controller configured to control the wireless communication unit to search for the wireless devices based on the input search information and to control the display unit to display responding wireless devices that responded to the search by the wireless communication unit according to the input search information.

This application is a Continuation of co-pending application Ser. No.12/252,002 filed on Oct. 15, 2008, which claims priority to KoreanApplication No. 10-2007-0133723 filed in Korea on Dec. 18, 2007. Theentire contents of all of the above applications are hereby incorporatedby reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and correspondingmethod for searching and displaying various information about wirelessdevices used for pairing with the mobile terminal.

2. Description of the Background Art

Mobile terminals now provide many additional services beside the basiccall service. For example, user's can now access the Internet, playgames, watch videos, listen to music, capture images and videos, recordaudio files, etc. Mobile terminals also now provide broadcastingprograms such that user can watch television shows, sporting programs,videos etc.

In addition, the user can pair (wirelessly connect) an external devicesuch as an earpiece to the mobile terminal. To perform this function,the user can select a pairing option (e.g., Bluetooth) on the terminaland then adds the external device. The mobile terminal then searches forthe external device and attempts to pair the device with the mobileterminal. However, the related art mobile terminal significantly limitsthe user choice in selecting or determining the external device ordevices to be paired with the terminal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to address theabove-noted and other drawbacks.

Another object of the present invention to provide a mobile terminal andcorresponding method for selectively displaying wireless devices withina specific search range based on a search range set or selected by auser of the mobile terminal.

Yet another object of the present invention to provide a mobile terminaland corresponding method for selectively displaying wireless deviceshaving a RSSI (received signal strength indication) that is greater thana preset value.

Still another object of the present invention to provide a mobileterminal and corresponding method for displaying information indicatingsignal strengths of searched wireless devices.

Yet another object of the present invention to provide a mobile terminaland corresponding method for visually displaying wireless devicesaccording to a type of the searched wireless devices.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, thepresent invention provides in one aspect a mobile terminal including awireless communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate withwireless devices to be connected with the mobile terminal, a displayunit configured to display information about the wireless devices, aninput unit configured to input search information including at least oneof a distance range to search for the wireless devices and a type of thewireless devices, and a controller configured to control the wirelesscommunication unit to search for the wireless devices based on the inputsearch information and to control the display unit to display respondingwireless devices that responded to the search by the wirelesscommunication unit according to the input search information.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method ofcontrolling a mobile terminal, and which includes inputting searchinformation including at least one of a distance range to search forwireless devices and a type of the wireless devices to be connected tothe mobile terminal, searching for the wireless devices based on theinput search information, and displaying responding wireless devicesthat responded to the search by the wireless communication unitaccording to the input search information.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, itshould be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, aregiven by illustration only, since various changes and modificationswithin the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of mobile terminal according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal shown in FIG.2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a CDMA wireless communication systemoperable with the mobile terminal of FIGS. 1-3 according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal and corresponding flowdiagram illustrating a method for searching wireless devices accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are overviews of environment setting display screens tosearch peripheral wireless devices of a mobile terminal according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an environment setting method forsearching peripheral wireless devices of a mobile terminal according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for searching and displayingwireless devices of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIGS. 9A to 9D are overviews of display screens displaying a search listor a pairing list of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal 100 according to anembodiment of the present invention. As shown, the mobile terminal 100includes a wireless communication unit 110 having one or more componentswhich permits wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100 anda wireless communication system or network within which the mobileterminal is located.

For example, the wireless communication unit 110 includes a broadcastreceiving module 111 that receives a broadcast signal and/or broadcastassociated information from an external broadcast managing entity via abroadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channeland a terrestrial channel.

In addition, the broadcast managing entity generally refers to a systemwhich transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associatedinformation. Examples of broadcast associated information includeinformation associated with a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, abroadcast service provider, etc. For instance, broadcast associatedinformation may include an electronic program guide (EPG) of digitalmultimedia broadcasting (DMB) and electronic service guide (ESG) ofdigital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H).

In addition, the broadcast signal may be implemented as a TV broadcastsignal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal, amongothers. The broadcast signal may further include a broadcast signalcombined with a TV or radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast receiving module 111 is also configured to receivebroadcast signals transmitted from various types of broadcast systems.For example, such broadcasting systems include the digital multimediabroadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T) system, the digital multimediabroadcasting-satellite (DMB-S) system, the digital videobroadcast-handheld (DVB-H) system, the data broadcasting system known asmedia forward link only (MediaFLO®) and the integrated services digitalbroadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T) system among others. Receiving multicastsignals is also possible. Further, data received by the broadcastreceiving module 111 may be stored in a suitable device, such as amemory 160.

The wireless communication unit 110 also includes a mobile communicationmodule 112 that transmits/receives wireless signals to/from one or morenetwork entities (e.g., base station, Node-B). Such signals mayrepresent audio, video, multimedia, control signaling, and data, amongothers.

Also included is a wireless Internet module 113 that supports Internetaccess for the mobile terminal. The module 113 may be internally orexternally coupled to the terminal The wireless communication unit 110also includes a short-range communication module 114 that facilitatesrelatively short-range communications. Suitable technologies forimplementing this module include radio frequency identification (RFID),infrared data association (IrDA), ultra-wideband (UWB), as well at thenetworking technologies commonly referred to as Bluetooth and ZigBee, toname a few.

A position-location module 115 is also included in the wirelesscommunication unit 110 and identifies or otherwise obtains the locationof the mobile terminal 100. The position-location module 115 may beimplemented using global positioning system (GPS) components whichcooperate with associated satellites, network components, andcombinations thereof.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the mobile terminal 100 also includesan Audio/video (A/V) input unit 120 that provides audio or video signalsto the mobile terminal 100. As shown, the A/V input unit 120 includes acamera 121 and a microphone 122. The camera 121 receives and processesimage frames of still pictures or video.

Further, the microphone 122 receives an external audio signal while theportable device is in a particular mode, such as a phone call mode,recording mode and voice recognition mode. The received audio signal isthen processed and converted into digital data. Also, the portabledevice, and in particular, the A/V input unit 120, typically includesassorted noise removing algorithms to remove noise generated in thecourse of receiving the external audio signal. In addition, datagenerated by the A/V input unit 120 may be stored in the memory 160,utilized by an output unit 150, or transmitted via one or more modulesof the communication unit 110. If desired, two or more microphonesand/or cameras may be used.

The mobile terminal 100 also includes a user input unit 130 thatgenerates input data responsive to user manipulation of an associatedinput device or devices. Examples of such devices include a keypad, adome switch, a touchpad (e.g., static pressure/capacitance), a jog wheeland a jog switch. A specific example is one in which the user input unit130 is configured as a touchpad in cooperation with a touch screendisplay, which will be described in more detail below.

A sensing unit 140 is also included in the mobile terminal 100 andprovides status measurements of various aspects of the mobile terminal100. For instance, the sensing unit 140 may detect an open/close statusof the mobile terminal 100, relative positioning of components (e.g., adisplay and keypad) of the mobile terminal 100, a change of position ofthe mobile terminal 100 or a component of the mobile terminal 100, apresence or absence of user contact with the mobile terminal 100,orientation or acceleration/deceleration of the mobile terminal 100,etc.

As an example, when the mobile terminal 100 is a slide-type mobileterminal, the sensing unit 140 may sense whether a sliding portion ofthe mobile terminal 100 is open or closed. Other examples include thesensing unit 140 sensing the presence or absence of power provided by apower supply 190, the presence or absence of a coupling or otherconnection between an interface unit 170 and an external device, etc.

Further, the interface unit 170 is often implemented to couple themobile terminal 100 with external devices. Typical external devicesinclude wired/wireless headphones, external chargers, power supplies,storage devices configured to store data (e.g., audio, video, pictures,etc.), earphones, and microphones, among others. In addition, theinterface unit 170 may be configured using a wired/wireless data port, acard socket (e.g., for coupling to a memory card, a subscriber identitymodule (SIM) card, a user identity module (UIM) card, a removable useridentity module (RUIM) card, etc.), audio input/output ports and videoinput/output ports.

The output unit 150 generally includes various components which supportthe output requirements of the mobile terminal 100. The mobile terminal100 also includes a display 151 that visually displays informationassociated with the mobile terminal 100. For instance, if the mobileterminal 100 is operating in a phone call mode, the display 151 willgenerally provide a user interface or graphical user interface whichincludes information associated with placing, conducting, andterminating a phone call. As another example, if the mobile terminal 100is in a video call mode or a photographing mode, the display 151 mayadditionally or alternatively display images which are associated withthese modes.

Further, the display 151 also preferably includes a touch screen workingin cooperation with an input device, such as a touchpad. Thisconfiguration permits the display 151 to function both as an outputdevice and an input device. In addition, the display 151 may beimplemented using display technologies including, for example, a liquidcrystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display(TFT-LCD), an organic light-emitting diode display (OLED), a flexibledisplay and a three-dimensional display.

The mobile terminal 100 may also include one or more of such displays.An example of a two-display embodiment is one in which one display isconfigured as an internal display (viewable when the terminal is in anopened position) and a second display configured as an external display(viewable in both the open and closed positions).

FIG. 1 further shows the output unit 150 having an audio output module152 which supports the audio output requirements of the mobile terminal100. The audio output module 152 is often implemented using one or morespeakers, buzzers, other audio producing devices, and combinationsthereof.

Further, the audio output module 152 functions in various modesincluding a call-receiving mode, a call-placing mode, a recording mode,a voice recognition mode and a broadcast reception mode. Duringoperation, the audio output module 152 outputs audio relating to aparticular function (e.g., call received, message received, and errors).

In addition, the output unit 150 is further shown having an alarm 153,which is used to signal or otherwise identify the occurrence of aparticular event associated with the mobile terminal 100. Typical eventsinclude a call received, a message received and user input received. Anexample of such output includes the providing of tactile sensations(e.g., vibration) to a user. For instance, the alarm 153 may beconfigured to vibrate responsive to the mobile terminal 100 receiving acall or message.

As another example, a vibration is provided by the alarm 153 responsiveto receiving user input at the mobile terminal 100, thus providing atactile feedback mechanism. Further, the various outputs provided by thecomponents of the output unit 150 may be separately performed, or suchoutput may be performed using any combination of such components.

In addition, the memory 160 is generally used to store various types ofdata to support the processing, control, and storage requirements of themobile terminal 100. Examples of such data include program instructionsfor applications operating on the mobile terminal 100, call history,contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, video, etc.

Further, the memory 160 shown in FIG. 1 may be implemented using anytype or combination of suitable volatile and non-volatile memory orstorage devices including random access memory (RAM), static randomaccess memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM),programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magneticmemory, flash memory, magnetic or optical disk, card-type memory, orother similar memory or data storage device.

The terminal 100 also includes a controller 180 that typically controlsthe overall operations of the mobile terminal 100. For instance, thecontroller 180 performs the control and processing associated with voicecalls, data communications, instant message communications, video calls,camera operations and recording operations. As shown in FIG. 1, thecontroller 180 may also include a multimedia module 181 for providingmultimedia playback functions. The multimedia module 181 may beconfigured as part of the controller 180, or may be implemented as aseparate component.

In addition, a power supply 190 provides power used by the variouscomponents for the portable device. The provided power may be internalpower, external power, or combinations thereof.

Next, FIG. 2 is a front side view of the mobile terminal 100 accordingto an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, themobile terminal 100 includes a first body 200 configured to slideablycooperate with a second body 205. The user input unit 130 described inFIG. 1 may include a first input unit such as function keys 210, asecond input unit such as a keypad 215, and a third input unit such asside keys 245.

The function keys 210 are associated with the first body 200, and thekeypad 215 is associated with the second body 205. The keypad 215includes various keys (e.g., numbers, characters, and symbols) to enablea user to place a call, prepare a text or multimedia message, andotherwise operate the mobile terminal 100.

In addition, the first body 200 slides relative to the second body 205between open and closed positions. In a closed position, the first body200 is positioned over the second body 205 in such a manner that thekeypad 215 is substantially or completely obscured by the first body200. In the open position, user access to the keypad 215, as well as thedisplay 151 and function keys 210, is possible. The function keys 210are convenient to a user for entering commands such as start, stop andscroll commands.

Further, the mobile terminal 100 is operable in either a standby mode(e.g., able to receive a call or message, receive and respond to networkcontrol signaling), or an active call mode. Typically, the mobileterminal 100 functions in a standby mode when in the closed position,and an active mode when in the open position. However, the modeconfiguration may be changed as required or desired.

In addition, the first body 200 is formed from a first case 220 and asecond case 225, and the second body 205 is formed from a first case 230and a second case 235. The first and second cases are preferably formedfrom a suitably ridge material such as injection molded plastic, orformed using metallic material such as stainless steel (STS) andtitanium (Ti).

If desired, one or more intermediate cases may be provided between thefirst and second cases of one or both of the first and second bodies 200and 205. In addition, the first and second bodies 200 and 205 aretypically sized to receive electronic components used to support theoperation of the mobile terminal 100.

Also, the first body 200 includes the camera 121 and the audio outputunit 152, which is configured as a speaker, positioned relative to thedisplay 151. The camera 121 may also be constructed in such a mannerthat it can be selectively positioned (e.g., rotated, swiveled, etc.)relative to the first body 200.

Further, the function keys 210 are positioned adjacent to a lower sideof the display 151. As discussed above, the display 151 can beimplemented as an LCD or OLED. The display 151 may also be configured asa touch screen having an underlying touchpad which generates signalsresponsive to user contact (e.g., finger, stylus, etc.) with the touchscreen.

Also, the second body 205 includes the microphone 122 positionedadjacent to the keypad 215, and side keys 245, which are one type of auser input unit, positioned along the side of the second body 205.Preferably, the side keys 245 are configured as hot keys, such that theside keys 245 are associated with a particular function of the mobileterminal 100. As shown, the interface unit 170 is positioned adjacent tothe side keys 245, and the power supply 190 in a form of a battery islocated on a lower portion of the second body 205.

FIG. 3 is a rear side view of the mobile terminal 100 shown in FIG. 2.As shown in FIG. 3, the second body 205 includes the camera 121, and anassociated flash 250 and mirror 255. The flash 250 operates inconjunction with the camera 121 of the second body 205, and the mirror255 is useful for assisting a user to position the camera 121 in aself-portrait mode. In addition, the camera 121 of the second body 205faces a direction which is opposite to a direction faced by the camera121 of the first body 200 shown in FIG. 2.

In addition, each of the cameras 121 of the first and second bodies 200and 205 may have the same or different capabilities. For example, in oneembodiment, the camera 121 of the first body 200 operates with arelatively lower resolution than the camera 121 of the second body 205.Such an arrangement works well during a video conference call, forexample, in which reverse link bandwidth capabilities may be limited.Further, the relatively higher resolution of the camera 121 of thesecond body 205 (FIG. 3) is useful for obtaining higher quality picturesfor later use.

The second body 205 also includes the audio output module 152 configuredas a speaker, and which is located on an upper side of the second body205. The audio output modules of the first and second bodies 200 and 205may also cooperate together to provide stereo output. Moreover, eitheror both of these audio output modules may be configured to operate as aspeakerphone.

The terminal 100 also includes a broadcast signal receiving antenna 260located at an upper end of the second body 205. The antenna 260functions in cooperation with the broadcast receiving module 111 (FIG.1). If desired, the antenna 260 may be fixed or configured to retractinto the second body 205. Further, the rear side of the first body 200includes a slide module 265, which slideably couples with acorresponding slide module located on the front side of the second body205.

In addition, the illustrated arrangement of the various components ofthe first and second bodies 200 and 205 may be modified as required ordesired. In general, some or all of the components of one body mayalternatively be implemented on the other body. Further, the locationand relative positioning of such components may be positioned atlocations which differ from those shown by the representative figures.

In addition, the mobile terminal 100 of FIGS. 1-3 may be configured tooperate within a communication system which transmits data via frames orpackets, including both wireless and wireline communication systems, andsatellite-based communication systems. Such communication systemsutilize different air interfaces and/or physical layers.

Examples of such air interfaces utilized by the communication systemsinclude, for example, frequency division multiple access (FDMA), timedivision multiple access (TDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA),and universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), the long termevolution (LTE) of the UMTS, and the global system for mobilecommunications (GSM). By way of a non-limiting example only, furtherdescription will relate to a CDMA communication system, but suchteachings apply equally to other system types.

Next, FIG. 4 illustrates a CDMA wireless communication system having aplurality of mobile terminals 100, a plurality of base stations 270, aplurality of base station controllers (BSCs) 275, and a mobile switchingcenter (MSC) 280.

The MSC 280 is configured to interface with a public switch telephonenetwork (PSTN) 290, and the MSC 280 is also configured to interface withthe BSCs 275. Further, the BSCs 275 are coupled to the base stations 270via backhaul lines. In addition, the backhaul lines may be configured inaccordance with any of several interfaces including, for example, E1/T1,ATM, IP, PPP, Frame Relay, HDSL, ADSL, or xDSL. Further, the system mayinclude more than two BSCs 275.

Also, each base station 270 may include one or more sectors, each sectorhaving an omnidirectional antenna or an antenna pointed in a particulardirection radially away from the base station 270. Alternatively, eachsector may include two antennas for diversity reception. In addition,each base station 270 may be configured to support a plurality offrequency assignments, with each frequency assignment having aparticular spectrum (e.g., 1.25 MHz, 5 MHz).

The intersection of a sector and frequency assignment may be referred toas a CDMA channel. The base stations 270 may also be referred to as basestation transceiver subsystems (BTSs). In some instances, the term “basestation” may be used to refer collectively to a BSC 275, and one or morebase stations 270.

The base stations 270 may also be denoted as “cell sites.”Alternatively, individual sectors of a given base station 270 may bereferred to as cell sites. Further, a terrestrial digital multimediabroadcasting (DMB) transmitter 295 is shown broadcasting to mobileterminals 100 operating within the system.

In addition, the broadcast receiving module 111 (FIG. 1) of the mobileterminal 100 is typically configured to receive broadcast signalstransmitted by the DMB transmitter 295. Similar arrangements may beimplemented for other types of broadcast and multicast signaling asdiscussed above.

FIG. 4 further illustrates several global positioning system (GPS)satellites 300. Such satellites facilitate locating the position of someor all of the mobile terminals 100. In FIG. 4, two satellites are shown,but positioning information may be obtained with greater or fewersatellites.

In addition, the position-location module 115 (FIG. 1) of the mobileterminal 100 is typically configured to cooperate with the satellites300 to obtain desired position information. However, other types ofposition detection technology, such as location technology that may beused in addition to or instead of GPS location technology, mayalternatively be implemented. Some or all of the GPS satellites 300 mayalternatively or additionally be configured to provide satellite DMBtransmissions.

Further, during typical operation of the wireless communication system,the base stations 270 receive sets of reverse-link signals from variousmobile terminals 100. The mobile terminals 100 engage in calls,messaging, and other communications.

In addition, each reverse-link signal received by a given base station270 is processed within that base station 270, and the resulting data isforwarded to an associated BSC 275. The BSC 275 provides call resourceallocation and mobility management functionality including soft handoffsbetween the base stations 270.

Further, the BSCs 275 also route the received data to the MSC 280, whichprovides additional routing services for interfacing with the PSTN 290.Similarly, the PSTN interfaces with the MSC 280, and the MSC 280interfaces with the BSCs 275. The BSCs 275 also control the basestations 270 to transmit sets of forward-link signals to the mobileterminals 100.

In the following description, a control method applicable to theabove-configured mobile terminal 100 is explained with respect tovarious embodiments. However, the following embodiments can beimplemented independently or through combinations thereof. In addition,in the following description, it is assumed that the display 151includes a touch screen.

Further, wireless devices according to embodiments of the presentinvention may include short-range wireless communication devices thatcan be directly connected to a mobile terminal one by one without arepeater, and wireless communication devices that can be connected to amobile terminal through a repeater.

Next, FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal and correspondingflow diagram for searching wireless devices according to an embodimentof the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, external wireless devices(BT) 401-405 are able to communicate with the mobile terminal 100 (FIG.1 illustrates the mobile terminal 100 in more detail). With reference toFIG. 5, when a user manipulates a specific menu so as to wirelesslyconnect a mobile terminal to peripheral wireless devices, a controller180 of the mobile terminal enters into a connection mode.

Further, in the connection mode, peripheral wireless devices aresearched to be registered to a pairing list. Also, peripheral wirelessdevices registered to the pairing list may be selected to be wirelesslyconnected to the mobile terminal The process of searching corresponds tosearching for peripheral wireless devices within a coverage, that is, adistance up to which an RF signal can reach.

For BLUETOOTH devices, the search range is divided into classes 1, 2 and3 according to a power level or a coverage of an RF signal. Generally,the class 2 corresponding to a coverage of 10˜17 m is used. The class 1having a coverage of more than 100 m is also used. In addition, in thepairing or searching process, the mobile terminal functions as themaster and searches peripheral wireless devices that operate as slavesor responders.

Further, when the mobile terminal searches for peripheral wirelessdevices, the peripheral wireless devices enter into an inquiry scan modeper a standardized specific period so as to respond to a search request.Also, when the mobile terminal is to be connected to one of the searchedwireless devices, the corresponding peripheral wireless device entersinto a page scan mode per a standardized specific period so as torespond to a connect request.

In addition, the pairing list is a registration information list ofwireless devices that can be connected to the mobile terminal. Further,the mobile terminal to be connected to wireless devices has to input apin code or password for each of the wireless devices. The pin codes orpasswords are generally registered to the pairing list in advance suchthat the mobile terminal can automatically connect to the wirelessdevices registered to the pairing list.

That is, when the user selects a specific wireless device from thepairing list, the controller 180 can automatically wirelessly connectthe selected wireless device to the mobile terminal using informationregistered to the pairing list. In embodiments of the present invention,a power level of an RF signal in the search mode or scan mode can becontrolled to be less than that in a normal mode. Accordingly, thebattery consumption of the mobile terminal is reduced.

Referring to FIG. 5, the short-range communication module 114 is turnedON/OFF under control of the controller 180. The communication module 114also outputs a power level of an RF signal using a control commandoutput from the controller 180, and outputs the signal for searching orconnecting the mobile terminal to peripheral wireless devices. Inaddition, the battery consumption amount for the mobile terminal changesaccording to a power level of an RF signal.

Further, the memory 160 stores experimental information about mappingbetween a power level (strength) and a coverage of an RF signal to betransmitted. The search range is also determined according to a coverageof an RF signal. Also, the controller 180 can extract a power level ofan RF signal with respect to a coverage from the memory 160.

The memory 160 also stores a plurality of skins to be used whendisplaying a search list or a pairing list. That is, the wirelessdevices are displayed on a particular skin according to each type and/orbased on distances or signal strengths. In addition, theposition-location module 115 includes a GPS reception chip and a GPSreception antenna, and detects a current position of the mobile terminalusing a signal received from one or more satellites. The informationabout the current position is also sent to the controller 180.

Further, the controller 180 controls an ON/OFF operation of theposition-location module 115. Thus, when there is a search request fromother wireless devices, the controller 180 responds by includingposition information transmitted from the position-location module 115within information about the wireless devices. The controller 180 alsoturns ON the short-range communication module 114 so as to searchperipheral wireless devices, and extracts a power level of an RF signalcorresponding to a search range set by a user from the memory 160,thereby setting the short-range communication module 114.

Also, the short-range communication module 114 searches wireless deviceswithin a certain search range according to a power level of an RF signalset by the controller 180. For instance, if the set power level is highenough to correspond to a search range of ‘1 m’, all wireless deviceswithin 1 m respond. Likewise, if the set power level is high enough tocorrespond to a search range of ‘2 m’, all wireless devices within 2 mrespond. Note that the power level for search ranges of “1 m” and “2 m”,for example, is less than the power used for a general search mode(e.g., no limit).

The controller 180 also obtains information about a MAC (Media AccessControl) address, a name, a CoD (Class of Device), an RSSI (ReceivedSignal Strength Indication), a distance, a position, and a direction ofa wireless device from a signal received through the short-rangecommunication module 114. For example, the information about theposition and direction can be obtained when the wireless devicetransmits position information.

In addition, the controller 180 can detect each distance of wirelessdevices from the mobile terminal or each signal strength based onsignals received from the searched wireless devices. For example, and asshown in FIG. 5, the controller 180 receives RSSI information,distance/direction information, and other information about the wirelessdevices. Then, the controller 180 can display the wireless devicesaccording to each type based on the detected distances or signalstrengths. Further, a suitable skin can extracted from the memory 160and displayed on a search list.

Next, FIGS. 6A and 6B are overviews of an environment setting displayscreens in a mobile terminal used to search peripheral wireless devicesaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in thedisplay screen 420 in FIG. 6A, the user can search for wireless deviceswithin 1 m, 3 m and no limit. These distances are examples only andother distances can be used. Thus, the user can selectively determinethe range to be used when pairing wireless devices to the mobileterminal In the example in FIG. 6A, the user selects the option 421 “1 m(Recommended) 1 m range to search for wireless devices. The controller180 then searches only wireless devices within the set search rangeaccording to the set power level of an RF signal, and displays thewireless devices. Thus, the mobile terminal uses less RF power and lessbattery consumption than when searching in a normal mode such as a nolimit mode.

That is, a wireless device within one meter from the mobile terminalwill use less battery consumption on both the mobile terminal and thewireless device than a wireless device at 3 m, for example. In moredetail, when the search range is set as a ‘maximum search range (Nolimit)’, the controller 180 sets a power level (strength) of an RFsignal as a power level corresponding to the maximum search range forthe mobile terminal (e.g., class 1=100 m). Likewise, when a search rangeis set as a ‘1 m’, the controller 180 sets a power level of an RF signalas a power level corresponding to the ‘1 m’ for the mobile terminal,based on mapping information between a search range and a power level ofan RF signal stored in the memory 160. Thus, the RF power level is lessfor 1 m than no limit, thereby saving power consumption of the battery.

In addition, FIG. 6B illustrates a display screen 430 that allows theuser to selectively set the type of wireless devices to be searched for.That is, the user can select a plurality of wireless devices to besearched through check boxes 431. In the example shown in FIG. 6B, theuser has selected a headset wireless device and a wireless phone. Thecontroller 180 then searches for those type of devices within the rangeset in FIG. 6A and displays any found devices.

In addition, the operations shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B cab be reversed orperformed independently of each other. In more detail, the user canfirst select a range in FIG. 6A and then select types of wirelessdevices in FIG. 6B. The controller 180 then searches for and displaysdevices that are within 1 m and that correspond to the type or types ofwireless devices designated by the user.

Alternatively, the user can select only the range in FIG. 6A, and thecontroller 180 then searches and displays all wireless devices withinthe set range. Similarly, the user can only select a type or types ofdevices in FIG. 6B, and the controller 180 displays all selected typesof wireless devices using the no limit power mode or a preset defaultpower mode.

Next, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing environment setting processes forsearching peripheral wireless devices of a mobile terminal according toan embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the userfirst enters an environment setting mode by manipulating a specific keyor menu option or by touching a soft key on the display, for example(S101). Other input methods are also possible (e.g., pressing a hot key,voice activation, etc.). Then, the user selects a search range and/or atype of wireless devices to be searched (as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B).

The controller 180 then determines if the selected search range isdifferent than a previously set search range or a default search range(S102). If the set range has changed (Yes in S102), the controller 180searches for a power level of an RF signal that corresponds to theselected search range from the memory 160 (S103). Then, the controller180 controls the short-range communication module 114 to use the powerlevel of the RF signal that corresponds to the selected search range(S104).

In addition, when the controller 180 determines the search range has notchanged in the environment setting processes (No in S102), thecontroller 180 sets a power level of an RF signal as a power levelcorresponding to a maximum search range according to each class of themobile terminal (S105). Further, the controller 180 applies the changedpower level of the RF signal only in a search mode and a scan mode.Also, in one embodiment, for services such as listening to music or filetransmission, the controller 180 sets the power level of an RF signal asa maximum power level corresponding to a maximum search range defined ina specification.

In addition, after the controller 180 performs the search process, thecontroller 180 displays any found wireless devices that meet the setrequirements (i.e., range and/or type). FIGS. 8-9D illustrate thesefeatures in more detail. In particular, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showingprocesses for searching and displaying found wireless devices in amobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 8, the mobile terminal enters a search mode on theterminal (S201), and requests the controller 180 search for peripheralwireless devices (Yes in S202). The controller 180 then controls theshort-range communication module 114 to use the set RF power, andsearches wireless devices based on the set power level (S203). That is,the controller 180 searches wireless devices within the set search rangeof the RF signal.

The controller 180 then determines if a response signal is received fromany wireless device or devices (S204). When a response signal isreceived (Yes in S204), the controller 180 extracts a skin from thememory 160 for displaying a search list including the responded wirelessdevices (S205). Further, in one embodiment, the controller 180 displaysthe searched wireless devices according to each type based on eachdistance or each signal strength (S206).

Also, if the controller 180 determines no wireless devices are to besearched (No in S202), the controller 180 extracts a skin from thememory 160 for displaying a pairing list (S207), and then displayswireless devices on the pairing list according to each type based oneach distance or each signal strength (S208). In addition, the skin isused to display wireless devices as two-dimensional or three-dimensionalshapes. Extracted position information about each wireless device canalso be displayed using the skin.

In addition, the distances of searched wireless devices can beexperimentally calculated based on a received signal strength indication(RSSI). Also, position information of the wireless devices can becalculated based on a trigonometric method by communicating with threeor more wireless devices within an effective range, or can be calculatedby detecting position information included in a party's wireless device.

FIGS. 9A to 9D are overviews of display screens illustrating a methodfor searching and displaying a search list or a pairing list of a mobileterminal as two-dimensional or three-dimensional shapes according to anembodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 9A, the wireless devices are displayed in a searched order.Further, when the user selects one of the displayed wireless devices(the headset 1 in FIG. 9A), the controller 180 displays the MAC addressof the selected wireless device at a lower portion of the screen 430.However, because the names of searched wireless devices are displayed,when more than a certain number of wireless devices (e.g., 6 or 7) aresearched, it is difficult to display the wireless devices on one screen.Further, it is difficult for the user to select and pair a particularlisted wireless device.

FIGS. 9B-9D solves these types of problems. In more detail, as shown inFIG. 9B, the controller 180 displays a skin including dividing lines 510which show distances or power levels or signal lengths centering arounda mobile terminal In the example shown in FIG. 9B, the dividing lines510 have an oval shape. However, other shapes may be used such as acircular shape, rectangular shape, etc. In addition, the controller 180sterically displays the wireless devices using specific icons or images512 according to their distances.

Further, the dividing lines 510 may be displayed with different gaps orin different colors according to distances or power level. Text whichdivide regions from each other (e.g., AREA 1˜AREA N) may also bedisplayed on the dividing lines 510. The skin can have the circularshape, or any other shape such as a triangular shape obtained by cuttingparts of a circle or a polygonal shape and including a rectangularshape.

The controller 180 can also display names 513 of the wireless devices,and display the specific images or icons 512 to have a shape e.g.,headset, PC, or other type of wireless device indicating a type of thewireless device (e.g., headset, PC, or other type of wireless device) sothe user can easily identify the type of the wireless device. Also, asshown in FIG. 9B, the names 513 indicate the types of wireless devices.For example, if a wireless device is a personal computer, the name 513is displayed as ‘PC’, and if a wireless device is a headset, the name513 is displayed as ‘HS’ in an abbreviated manner.

In addition, the controller 180 can display each wireless device atrandom within the particular areas or dividing lines 510 so as not to beconcentrated in one region. Also, if there is position information abouteach wireless device, the controller 180 can display precise position ofeach wireless device. For example, the controller 180 can display thelocations of the wireless devices with respect to the mobile terminal inthe center of the display (see FIG. 9B, for example). Further, thedisplayed wireless devices can be selected using a specific button ortouch input manner, and then the controller 190 displays more detailedinformation 511 about the selected wireless device (e.g., name) at alower portion of the display screen 430.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 9C, when a wireless device is selected,the controller 180 displays hot service menus 520 indicating servicesthat can be executed by the wireless device. For example, when one ofthe wireless devices shown in FIG. 9B or 9C is selected, the controller180 displays executable services on a list in an overlay manneraccording to a type of the selected wireless device. A user can thenselect one of the services to execute it.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, the controller 180displays each wireless device according to each distance or each signallength. The type of wireless device is also displayed. In an alternativeembodiment and as shown in FIG. 9D, the controller 180 displays thetypes of the searched wireless devices using classifying lines 530.Also, the number of types of wireless devices that can be classifiedusing the classifying lines 530 may include the number of types ofwireless devices set in the environment setting mode. The types ofsearched wireless devices may also be classified according to theterminal itself regardless of an environment setting mode.

For example, when a search process is performed in an environmentsetting mode for only two types of wireless devices (e.g., Headset,Phone), two types of wireless devices are displayed. When there arethree types of wireless devices as a result of search process, the threetypes of wireless devices are individually displayed. The controller 180can also display a name 532 indicating the types of wireless devices atone side of the divided region.

FIG. 9D illustrates four types of devices (i.e., headset, PC, Phone andEtc.) The Etc. classification is for devices that do not have aparticular listed type. In addition, the wireless devices displayed asicons or specific images may be displayed together with the names 531 soas to be easily identified by a user. Further, because the wirelessdevices are classified from each other in FIG. 9B, a more simple name531 than the name 513 of FIG. 9B can be used.

In addition, the wireless devices displayed in FIGS. 9B-9D are withinthe range set by the user. For example, if the user selects the “3 m”range, the controller 180 displays all wireless devices that respondedto the connect request. The controller 180 also displays the range ofthe wireless devices on the display screen. For example, in FIGS. 9B-9D,the area 1 can be for wireless devices within “1 m”, the area 2 can befor wireless devices within “2 m”, and the area 3 can be for wirelessdevices within “3 m.” Thus, the user can easily see the names andlocations of wireless devices, and select a particular device.

The controller 180 can also display each of the dividing orclassification lines with a relatively larger or smaller size accordingto the number of searched wireless devices according to each type. Thedividing lines 510 or the classifying lines 530 can also be displayed inother forms beside line shapes.

In addition, the skins shown in FIGS. 9A to 9D display a search list,but the same skin shape may be applied to a pairing list. Furthermore,the controller 180 can also display two-dimensional or three-dimensionalskin shapes rather than the illustrated shapes shown in FIGS. 9B-9D.

In addition, the above various embodiments may be implemented in acomputer-readable medium using, for example, computer software,hardware, or some combination thereof. For a hardware implementation,the embodiments described above may be implemented within one or moreapplication specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signalprocessors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs),programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays(FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors,other electronic units designed to perform the functions describedherein, or a selective combination thereof.

For a software implementation, the embodiments described herein may beimplemented with separate software modules, such as procedures andfunctions, each of which perform one or more of the functions andoperations described herein. The software codes can be implemented witha software application written in any suitable programming language andmay be stored in memory (for example, the memory 160), and executed by acontroller or processor (for example, the controller 180).

In addition, the mobile terminal 100 may be implemented in a variety ofdifferent configurations. Examples of such configurations include afolder-type, slide-type, bar-type, rotational-type, swing-type andcombinations thereof The mobile terminal also includes terminals such asmobile phones, user equipment, smart phones, computers, digitalbroadcast terminals, portable multimedia players (PMP), navigators, etc.

As the present invention may be embodied in several forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, itshould also be understood that the above-described embodiments are notlimited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unlessotherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within itsspirit and scope as defined in the appended claims, and therefore allchanges and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of theclaims, or equivalence of such metes and bounds are therefore intendedto be embraced by the appended claims.

1. A mobile terminal, comprising: a wireless communication unitconfigured to wirelessly communicate with wireless devices to beconnected with the mobile terminal; a display unit configured to displayinformation about the wireless devices; an input unit configured toinput search information comprising at least one of a distance range tosearch for the wireless devices and a type of the wireless devices; anda controller configured to control the wireless communication unit tosearch for the wireless devices based on the search information receivedvia the input unit and to control the display unit to display respondingwireless devices that respond to the search by the wirelesscommunication unit according to the search information, wherein thecontroller is further configured to control the display unit to displaythe responding wireless devices in a plurality of concentric regionsindicating strengths of signals received from the responding wirelessdevices.
 2. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofconcentric regions are separated from one another by lines.
 3. Themobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the plurality of concentric regionsis further divided into at least two sectors by at least one classifyingline drawn across the plurality of concentric regions, each sectordisplaying a different type of responding wireless device.
 4. The mobileterminal of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured todisplay information relating to each of the responding wireless devicesin a corresponding region.
 5. The mobile terminal of claim 1, whereinthe concentric regions are oval.
 6. A method of controlling a mobileterminal, the method comprising: searching for wireless devices, via awireless communication unit, based on search information receivedthrough an input unit, wherein the search information comprises at leastone of a distance range to search for the wireless devices and a type ofthe wireless devices; wirelessly communicating, via the wirelesscommunication unit, with wireless devices that respond to the searchingby the wireless communication unit according to the search information;displaying responding wireless devices on a display unit; anddisplaying, via the display unit, information about each of theresponding wireless devices, wherein the responding wireless devices aredisplayed in a plurality of concentric regions indicating strengths ofsignals received from the responding wireless devices.
 7. The method ofclaim 6, wherein the plurality of concentric regions are separated fromone another by lines.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the plurality ofconcentric regions is further divided into at least two sectors by atleast one classifying line drawn across the plurality of concentricregions, each sector displaying a different type of responding wirelessdevice.
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the information about each ofthe responding wireless devices is displayed in a corresponding region.10. The method of claim 6, wherein the concentric regions are oval.